The famously charming capital of Cuba, Havana boasts brightly-painted buildings, old American cars, myriad museums and buzzing bars where you can expect live music and dancing every night. This fascinating city is fast becoming a favourite holiday destination, with accommodation options ranging from elegant townhouse apartments to swish city hotels. Many of the best places to stay in Havana are clustered around the old part of town, but there are some real gems in neighbouring Vedado, which is a cultural hub in its own right.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, or with friends and family, Havana is a brilliant city to explore. Take a guided walking tour for an insight into the city’s heritage, food and music scene. The trade and travel bans which isolated Cuba from global development for much of the 20th Century have preserved a rich culture and striking architecture, best seen on foot or by bicycle. Arts and heritage buffs will love the Museo de la Revolucion, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the eerie Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón, and smaller museums dedicated to Hemingway, Napoleon and others. Havana Cathedral is superb, and strolls around the Plaza de Armas — laid out in the 1520s — and Plaza Vieja are highly recommended.

Pick up local handicrafts at the Centro Cultural Antiguos Almacenes de Deposito San Jose, or make your way to the 8-km Malecón, to join Cuban families for an amble along the seafront esplanade. Across the water, the huge Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña protects Havana from the ocean and served as Che Guevara’s post-revolution headquarters — it is well worth visiting.

Spend your evenings sipping Cuba Libres at street-side bars, savouring delectable fare in friendly eateries, and dancing til dawn at Havana’s hottest spots. The paint may be peeling, but this is a city with stacks of soul. The best places to stay in Havana are likely to fill up fast, so book your trip well in advance.

The Best Places to Stay in Havana

For Boutique Chic

• Voya Boutique Hotel is a ten room property set in a restored 1925 mansion where the ethos is about offering seriously chic accommodation, superb dining and top notch personalised service. They call it "the art of living"! Plus there's a secret garden with cocktail bar and small plunge pool. There's a grown up feel here, but families are welcome too.
• Paseo 206 promises an elegant escape in the Vedado neighbourhood. A restored 1930s residence owned by a Cuban-Italian family, this boutique bolthole has ten luxurious suites, a fabulous Italian eatery, and an onsite art gallery. Romantic and indulgent.
• Gardens Havana is a beautiful four-bedroom boutique hotel, with a focus on local craftsmanship. Reserve one level of the property as a couple, or book all four rooms for a trip with friends. Mornings begin with big homemade breakfasts, and the team can whip up a round of mojitos when you return from your rambles. The owners give top-notch travel advice, too. Gorgeous.
• Loma del Angel is just around the corner from the Revolution Museum in Old Havana. This historic house promises exceptional service, chic, antique-filled interiors, and spacious suites. A romantic spot for couples, the property's two glamorous suites can also be booked by a family or group. Very special.
• El Candil Boutique Hotel offers a famously friendly welcome in a grand old house in lovely Vedado. Stay as a couple or with family and friends and dine on the rooftop terrace after exploring the historic neighbourhood. A small hotel with antique pieces and modern touches.

For a Classic City Hotel

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba sits just moments from the seafront in Vedado. Having played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Errol Flynn since the 1930s, this imposing hotel has appealing old-school charm in spades. With a tennis court, swimming pool, nightclub, bars, restaurants and more, there's something for guests of all ages.
• Gran Hotel Manzana La Habana is set in what was once Cuba's first shopping mall. Now an indulgent hotel, the property has 246 swish rooms and suites, as well as multiple bars and eateries. The rooftop pool, superb spa and terrific San Cristobal Restaurant are real stand-outs. Round off your evenings with rum and cigars.

For Families or Groups

• Twins Havana is made up of two self-catering apartments — one two-bedroom, the other three-bedroom. Depending on the size of your family or group, the apartments can be merged, allowing space for 10 people. Think pastel hues and minimalist design. The Marshall speakers are a great touch.
• Plaza Vieja 1912 has lots of heritage charm. Set in Old Havana, this is a top pick for art lovers, who will adore the pieces by Cuban creatives. A two-bedroom apartment, well-suited to families or two couples travelling together. There's also a full kitchen.

For a Waterfront Resort

• Iberostar Grand Packard is a sleek, waterfront resort with swish, contemporary rooms and suites. Inter-connecting options will suit families, and kids will love the pool, as well as playing on the nearby beach. Expect a choice of lively bars and gourmet restaurants, plus a great gym and spa treatments. A buzzing luxury resort.

For Great Value

• Palacio Marques Felipe promises 27 rooms with contemporary interiors, set behind an 18th-century faćade in Old Havana. Stay here for the excellent location, the striking rooftop terrace views, and the very reasonable prices. For couples or families.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Havana?

• Fly into Havana's Jose Martí Airport, 9 miles to the southwest of the city centre. Take a bus or taxi to your hotel from there. Alternatively, speak to your hotel in advance to arrange an airport pick up.
• You'll find lots to explore by road in Cuba! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Balmy temperatures average between 21 - 27°C throughout the year, with the peak season lasting from December to mid-April. May and October/November are generally rainy, with the hurricane season falling between June and November. Travel in late April or early December for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Cuba.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Havana